Sustainability and Packaging Analyst

RTI International

. Conduct primary and secondary research on market, technology, regulatory, and sustainability trends in CPG and food .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeRemote • North Carolina • United StatesJunior💰 $76,000 - $93,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in conducting market and technology research, particularly in sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Proficient in synthesizing complex information for diverse audiences and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and responsible use of emerging technologies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sustainability ResearchCircular Economy InitiativesScientific CommunicationAnalytical SkillsInnovation Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Market ResearchTechnology AssessmentScenario DevelopmentFeasibility EvaluationData Synthesis

Soft Skills

CollaborationTime ManagementDetail-OrientedSelf-DirectedInterpersonal Skills

Tools & Technologies

MS OfficePowerPointExcelWordCollaboration Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Certificates in RecyclingWaste Management

Industry Keywords

CPGFood ScienceInnovation ConsultingForesight MethodsHorizon Scanning

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct primary and secondary research on market, technology, regulatory, and sustainability trends in CPG and food
Lead and support foresight and horizon-scanning activities
Develop scenarios to inform strategy
Scout and assess emerging technologies, partners, and business models across academia, startups, and industry
Evaluate feasibility, scalability, and potential impact of emerging technologies and business models
Deliver research supporting clients’ circular economy initiatives, including packaging, materials recovery, waste valorization, and supply chain resilience
Advise on pathways from lab to market for emerging technologies
Synthesize complex information into reports, presentations, and workshops for technical and non-technical audiences
Use artificial intelligence tools responsibly while maintaining scientific rigor, quality, and human validation of findings
Collaborate with cross-functional, international teams
Manage tasks, timelines, and client communications
Facilitate meetings and present interim and final findings to clients and stakeholders
Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture while upholding RTI’s mission and values

Requirements

What you’ll need

1–2 years of total experience related to sustainability, circular economy, or packaging
Bachelor's degree in science or engineering with interdisciplinary R&D experience
Business acumen and familiarity with innovation management, technology transfer/commercialization, or consulting
Strong scientific communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
Strong analytical and time-management skills
Ability and willingness to work beyond the core field and learn new scientific or technical domains quickly
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
Detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable working independently and collaboratively
Proficiency with MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and collaboration tools such as Teams
Desire to learn and drive responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies in scientific research
Preferred: experience with recycling, food science, or chemical formulation, especially for household and personal care products
Preferred: degrees in chemistry, materials or polymer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or biomolecular engineering
Preferred: certificates or degrees related to recycling or waste management
Preferred: familiarity with innovation consulting, foresight methods, horizon scanning, or technology scouting
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Must not require now or in the future sponsorship for employment visa status
Cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base salary
Generous paid time off policy
Merit based annual increases
Bonus opportunities
Robust recognition program
Competitive insurance plans including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability
Retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan
Paid parental leave for all parents
Financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments
Financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities
Employee assistance program
Other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance
Telework option
Hybrid work option